Xaisomboun

Xaisomboun is Laos's newest province, created on 13 December 2013 as the country's 18th province. It lies in the mountainous centre of Laos, roughly 230 km north of Vientiane, and its capital is Anouvong. Steep ridges, deep valleys, and cool highland air define the area, with Phou Bia rising to about 2,820 m as the highest peak in Laos.

Much of the population is Hmong, and traditional village life remains strong across the province. The district of Long Cheng, also known as Long Tieng, was a major Hmong military base and secret CIA airfield during the Laotian Civil War, and its old runway and wartime sites still attract history-focused travellers. Chao Anouvong Cave, a few kilometres north of Anouvong town, is linked to King Anouvong's flight from the Siamese army.

Xaisomboun's main draws are natural: cloud-covered mountains, the viewpoint of Bald Mountain, and waterfalls such as Tad Poung and Tad Houay Nok. The cool climate, with an annual average around 20°C, makes the highlands a refreshing contrast to lowland Laos. Hiking, village visits, and scenic drives connect these experiences.

The province is divided into five districts: Anouvong, Long Cheng, Tha Thom, Long San, and Hom. Anouvong town is the practical base, with the main market, guesthouses, and local services, while Long Cheng offers a different, more remote historical atmosphere.

For travellers and business visitors alike, Xaisomboun is relevant as an emerging eco-tourism and adventure destination and as an area with agriculture, agroforestry, and mining activity. Its combination of cool mountains, Hmong culture, and wartime history makes it one of Laos's most distinctive highland regions.